It’s not our intent to review the history of the relationship between Israel and Palestinians. Their conflict is legendary. But the formation of HAMAS has complicated the already-strained situation. The surprise attack by HAMAS on Jewish citizens–resulting in 1,400 deaths and nearly 200 hostages taken–shows the boiling point of desperation. Surely HAMAS expected the retaliation moves and subsequent retribution at the hands of the Jews. What is really sad from our viewpoint is the sparking of anti-Semitism in America. Three Ivy League school presidents were recently asked to condemn the HAMAS attack but they failed to clearly acknowledge its evil. That failure is noteworthy on three levels: (1) it suggests that at the highest admin positions in the most respected universities in the US it is OK to avoid any position that could political problems among your donors/benefactors; (2) it condones violence over compromise when differences happen; and, (3) it encourages others by way of example to accept violence generically and specifically against the Jewish citizens in America. How can we stand united when those we look up to for ethical standards refuse to defend the basic democratic principles of “life, liberty and the pursuit of happiness”? Jewish citizens of the US deserve the same respect as German, French, Italian, Spanish, and all other citizens. Anyone who tramples that logic by denying it–even mildly–creates a void of national character. Martin Luther King said “if anyone isn’t free–then no one is free”. If Jewish citizens can be targeted without punishment so can all other ethnic groups. The three IVY League presidents seem to walk back their testimony but their Boards of Trustees seem OK with the original response. Unfortunately, it must be said that Israel is now apparently pursuing a scorched earth policy that is producing thousands of innocent deaths as they chase HAMAS to their final destruction. No matter what happens in the Middle East between Israel and HAMAS/Palestine we, in this country, must hold to our basic acceptance that all citizens are treated equally and fairly.
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